Uses for truck cam

ABSTRACT

My invention, the “TRUCK-CAM”, is simply an LCD screen positioned in full view of the driver with mini-cams strategically placed at the back, sides and front of the truck. This will allow the driver an un-before view, previously blind to him. I feel confident that with my device in use, truck safety will be heightened tremendously. The technology is here, all that is needed is for the “TRUCK-CAM” to become a reality.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0001] The truck cam will consist of two main parts; first it willrequire a LCD screen that will have a power button to turn it on. TheLCD screen will also have a view button for different views. It willalso have four buttons for main view of a truck cam placed on the truck.

[0002] The LCD screen is the first part of this conceptual idea. Thedesign is open to interpretation for those who would like to design alook. I have enclosed with this documentation a drawing of what the LCDscreen will look like.

[0003] The LCD screen will be like a mini microcomputer. Its functionswill be to process images from truck cam's placed on a semi truck. TheLCD screen would receive its information from the truck cams with cablesor radio transmitter.

[0004] The truck cam is basically a Web cam designed to fit on a truck.The truck cam would be placed on the back of the truck. This would bethe main use for the truck cam so that a driver could see behind him.Semi-trucks have basically four blind spots. The rear, the right side,the left side, and in the very front. The truck cams could be placed atall of the blind spots the semi truck driver is unable to see.

[0005] The truck cam delivers better visibility than the mirrors thatonly give a limited view to a semi truck driver. With the LCD screenmounted in the driver's area for easy reference, the driver can see carsbehind him, cars to the right or left of him and directly below him inthe front.

[0006] The power source for this device would run off the truck engine.It's as simple to set up the LCD screen with the four cams as it wouldbe to set the standard stereo in an automobile. The truck cam wouldrelay video images in real time. The images would be seen exactly asthey were. Not closer than they actually they were. The images could beseen in black and white, or color. The CAM devices would be able to givenight vision as well.

[0007] The LCD screen would be detachable so that the driver could takethe LCD screen into his hotel and monitor his truck from his room. Thiswould add extra safety to the shipment and the driver's ability toprotect his truck. The LCD screen would have the ability to incorporateGPS technology, cell phone technology, and digital recording technology.

[0008] Materials Needed for the Truck CAM

[0009] LCD screen

[0010] Video Cams

[0011] Power cables

[0012] Plastic clear casing

[0013] Attachment hardware

[0014] Screws nuts and bolts

[0015] Attachment clips

[0016] Metal video casing

[0017] Electrical wiring

[0018] Computer processor

[0019] Anodized metal

[0020] Power button

[0021] Function buttons

[0022] Proximity warning

[0023] Radio antenna

[0024] Radio transmitter

[0025] Radio receiver

[0026] Adhesives

[0027] Warning device

[0028] Zoom lens “for trains”

[0029] Night vision

[0030] GPS device

[0031] Cell phone hookup

[0032] Typing keyboard

[0033] E-mail receiver

[0034] Digital recorder

[0035] Power antenna

[0036] Video processor

[0037] Function processor

[0038] Software

[0039] These are the main items that will be needed to create andinstall the truck cam on any truck of commercial size.

[0040] Other Uses for the Truck CAM

[0041] I envision the use of the truck CAM for multiple organizations. Iam listing here some of the most important trucking industry and largeland-based vehicles in the world.

[0042] Semi trucks

[0043] Armored trucks

[0044] Presidential vehicles

[0045] Motor homes

[0046] Space Support Vehicles

[0047] The buses, inner city, airport, travel, and vacation.

[0048] Rental vehicles such as U-Haul

[0049] Commercial truckers

[0050] Fire trucks

[0051] Emergency vehicles

[0052] Military vehicles

[0053] UPS and FedEx type trucks

[0054] Post Office trucks

[0055] Large industrial vehicles

[0056] Front of trains

[0057] Beverage trucks

[0058] Produce trucks

[0059] Retail trucks

[0060] Animal trucks

[0061] Distributors of snack items trucks

[0062] This is the main list of the types of vehicles that will use thetruck cam.

[0063] Benefits of the Truck Cam

[0064] I believe that with the development and production of thisdevice, many lives will be saved. I think it most important that theconceptualization of the truck Cam becomes a reality. Below I list whatI believe are some of the more outstanding safety features of thisinvention

[0065] Save lives

[0066] Prevent accidents

[0067] Increased range of visibility

[0068] Night vision

[0069] Preventing docking accidents

[0070] Semi truck drivers will have the ability to turn around in themost unlikely places without the need for a second person.

[0071] Lower insurance policies for truckers who use the device.

[0072] Works in all weather conditions.

[0073] Able to turn into lanes and see if it's clear. This will preventtruck drivers from running cars off the highway.

[0074] Helps inexperienced drivers feel more confident.

[0075] Estimated Costs of Installing A Device per Truck

[0076] Truck cam with one cam estimated $150.00 per truck

[0077] Truck cam with two cams estimated $180.00 per truck

[0078] Truck cam with four cams estimated $225.00 per truck

[0079] Estimated cost for truck cam would range from anywhere between$150.00 to $400.00 depending on how many extra features requested to beinstalled with the basic system.

[0080] Once again I would like to reiterate that I have a logbook thathas all the conceptual data from the original conception of thisinvention on Oct. 27, 2000. I believe professionals with thetechnological skill can understand how to create and develop thisconceptual invention from what I have submitted herein.

[0081] My name is Thomas A. Sutor. I am the sole inventor of the truckcam. I believe I have listed here with my best ability what the truckcam is. I believe I have described its function, creation, andimplementation.

What I claim as my invention is:
 1. A safety device for trucks which Icall, the ‘truck-cam’: Helps to eliminate, ‘blind-spots’ when operatinga vehicle. Allows driver of semi-trucks and large vehicles to see allareas of importance. Can be installed easily. Affordably priced. Byreducing accidents, would in turn lower insurance premiums. With theincreased volume of truck traffic on the highways today, it is mycontention that the ‘TruckCam’ will be a boon to the trucking industry.